About this book

A reprint of a classical work in the Cambridge Library Collection.

First published in 1834, A History of Egyptian Mummies was an important early contribution to the emerging field of Egyptology in Britain. It united the twin passions of its author, the noted surgeon and antiquarian Thomas Joseph Pettigrew (1791-1865), who made a name for himself by unrolling and autopsying mummies: his London home was the scene of well-attended parties during which he would impress his guests with such displays.

In the present work, Pettigrew delves into the history, technique and ritual of mummification in a depth that had never been attempted before, notably extending the coverage beyond ancient Egypt to other societies and eras. Describing the beliefs that informed these practices, the work also addresses the Egyptians' worship and embalming of animals such as bulls, dogs and hawks. Based on numerous examinations and years of study, A History of Egyptian Mummies stood as a landmark in the scientific and historical understanding of these funerary rites.

Contents

List of subscribersIntroduction

1. On mummy2. On mummy as a drug3. On the theology of the ancient Egyptians4. On Egyptian tombs5. On embalming6. On the medicaments employed in embalming7. On the bandages8. On the Egyptian idols, amulets, ornaments, etc9. On the cases and sarcophagi10. On the papyri manuscripts11. On the physical history of the Egyptians12. On the sacred animals embalmed by the Egyptians13. On the sacred animals: the mammalia14. On the sacred animals: the aves15. On the sacred animals: amphibia, pisces, insecta16. On deceptive specimens of mummies17. On the guanches, the mummies of Peru, the desiccated bodies of Palermo, the Burman emblamings18. On modern embalmings

Explanation of the plates

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